DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2026 - ROUND 17
1ST XI
The 1st XI played host to Cullompton CC 1st XI.
Cullompton won the toss and asked TKCC to have a bat and soon had the title contenders in trouble at 50 for 4. A well-respected member of the Wednesday Afternoon Work Party had earlier in the week he would miss Mr Bish Bosh Out’s innings – sadly his prediction was right. The person who shall stay nameless did though rescue the ball from the hedge – the only 6 Mr BBO hit. The hero with the bat, and redemption from the despair of final day in 2009, was Josh Hunt, who hit 81 supported by James Tyler with 43, Hunt had the satisfaction of hitting the run to secure the all-vital 3rd point to secure promotion. However, he ran out of partners in his bid for a century thanks mainly to Sidhaarth Arulvendan who took 6 for 19 including a hat trick – all three bowled. TKCC were all out for 185 in 45.4 overs.
In their reply, Cullompton were soon in deep trouble at 9 for 3 after 8.4 overs – Kazi Szymanski with 3 for 10 was unplayable. Szymanski was giving Evo some nervous moments as if he had gone onto to take a five wickets in the innings he would have wanted to grab the ball, but Evo had already promised Arulvendan the ball from the first innings so couldn’t afford to lose two from his spares collection as another one had been lost in the vicinity of the Duck Pound. The Parr brothers repaired some of the damage with Jason scoring 34 and Brendan scoring 20. Not satisfied with his performance with the ball, Sidhaarth Arulvendan hit 26 before being the last batter out. Cullompton were all out for 130 in 41.2 overs.
In the end Evo was able to do the right thing in the Spirit of Cricket regarding the match ball – he actually sacrificed the better used ball which was like a dagger through his own heart.
So, eleven years to day since one of the finest hours of the Yau Era at Bovey Tracey CC, it the words of a famous former resident of Galmpton, “they think it’s all over it is now,” TKCC are back where they belong in the Premier. For Evo, one of only two survivors of the day, it is of special significance as for those who don’t already know he is battling Cancer but being so committed to the club was, if necessary, going to delay any Saturday impacting treatment until “his boys” got over the line. Whether he will still be with us next season, we can only hope he decides to fight the disease.
With mission accomplished, could Bovey Tracey CC 1st do TKCC a favour against North Devon CC 1st XI – the players were glued to You Tube. The result was just what the doctor ordered, with Seb Ansley scoring 113 not out batting at no 7 and Ollie Clifford Bourne so often the scourge of TKCC with a vital 2 not out – a won wicket defeat for North Devon CC 1st XI.
The final weekend of the season sees the 1st XI travel to take on already relegated Thorverton CC 1st XI still basically needing a win to claim the title. North Devon CC 1st XI are playing host to Heathcoat CC 1st XI. Will the DCL have the trophy in a helicopter and Nick Rogers parachute down to present it.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 185 all out (45.4 overs)
J Hunt 81
J Tyler 43
S Arulvendan 6-19
Cullompton CC 1st XI 130 all out (41.2 overs)
J Parr 34
K Szymanski 3-10
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (18 pts) beat Cullompton CC 1st XI (7 pts) by 55 Runs
2ND XI
The made the short trip to take on Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI and were back rather early.
TKCC won the toss and asked Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI to have a bat and they stumbled to 72 all out in 33.4 overs. The best of the Abbotskerswell batters was Erik Gregersen formerly of this parish with 18. The chief tormentor of the Abbotskerswell batters was Tobias Delahunty with 5 for 13, ably supported by Dan Western with 3 for 8.
In reply the TKCC batters didn’t waste anytime knocking the runs off in just 11.2 overs despite the early loss of Dan Western. Dad, Tim with 38 not out and skipper Ryan Hanauer with 28 not out saw TKCC home without further loss.
Next weekend the 2nd XI play host to Tavistock CC 2nd XI knowing all they need are 6 points for promotion. Yelverton Bohemians CC 1st XI who can still catch them play host to Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC 1st XI.
Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI 72 all out (33.4 overs)
E Gregersen 18
T Delahunty 5-13
D Western 3-8
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 74 for 1 (11.4 overs)
T Western 38 not out
R Hanauer 28 not out
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (20 pts) beat Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI (1 pts) by 9 Wickets
3RD XI
The 3rd XI played host to Upottery 3rd XI.
TKCC won the toss and asked Upottery to have a bat.
With the exception of Joey Blight with 29 it was left to Upottery’s lower middle order of Paul Strawbridge with 48 and William Machin with 37 to amass the bulk of their 194 for 9 in their 40 overs well with the help of Mr Extras. The best TKCC bowler was Paul Harding wit 3 for 28.
At 25 for 3 it wasn’t looking promising for TKCC. However, Preshit Pawar had other ideas with a literally smashing 116 not out off just 55 balls which included 10 4s and 12 6s. As a result, TKCC reached their target on just 23.5 overs. Lewis Rich was the best of the Upottery bowlers with 3 for 28.
The final weekend of the season with a creditable 4th place in their sights, the 3rd XI travel the short distance to take on Stokeinteignhead CC 2nd XI. Meanwhile, Kenn CC 2nd XI who are just a point ahead play host to Honiton CC 2nd XI.
Upottery CC 3rd XI 194 for 9 (40 overs)
P Strawbridge 48
W Machin 37
P Harding 3-28
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI 198 for 4 (23.5 overs)
P Pawar 116 not out
L Rich 3-28
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (19 pts) beat Upottery CC 3rd XI (6 pts) by 6 Wickets
4TH XI
With the exception of Andy Redpath who headed out on loan to help Get The Game On the 4th XI had a weekend off.
Next weekend they play host to Babbacombe CC 3rd XI.
Player of the Day
Sadly there is no place for sentiment so it has to go to Preshit Pawar,
Spectator Watch
The closing stages of the match was watched by David Post, the oldest surviving Club Professional of Torquay CC.
David is on the right.